Releasing Potential Farm

The Releasing Potential Farm gives young people the opportunity to work with animals, as well as get hands-on experience of running an agricultural business.

Our Farm concept began when we took receipt of a herd of alpacas from a local farmer in 2016. The animals have become an integral part of the Releasing Potential family, and all have their own distinct personalities. Their exploits can be followed via The Alpaca Diaries blog and vlog page; “Mr Chocolate” even has his own Facebook page!

They alpacas are kept on a small holding near Overton in West Sussex, and our students are able to visit the herd to feed and maintain them, as well as to get involved in shearing the animals. Our alpaca wool is spun into yarn for use by a local artisan, who makes products which are sold and the funds donated to charity. The alpaca waste is collected and turned into fertiliser, making the farm an efficient, ethical and highly sustainable business.

We are also able to grow fruit and vegetables at our allotment sites, where students can learn horticultural skills as well as basics such as how to grow their own food. Much of our produce from the farm and the allotments is used by students in cookery lessons or as part of the Releasing Potential School’s lunch club on a Monday, where students cook and share a meal with staff every week.

A brood of chickens will soon be joining the alpacas in their own enclosure at the West Sussex farm site – watch this space for more!